Sinegugu Ntuli, a Specialist Investment Consultant at INN8, reflects on her journey, having recently joined the team. With a fresh perspective and a drive to build strong relationships with advisers, she shares her insights, challenges, and the rewarding moments that have shaped her experience so far.

The INN8 Journey: Can you share a bit about your journey at INN8? How did you start, and what has been the most exciting part of your experience so far?

I’ve been with INN8 for just over two months now, and I’m truly impressed by the level of compliance and professionalism I’ve observed during my training. The most exciting experiences so far have been exploring INN8’s culture and meeting my panel of advisers.‍

Day in the Life: What does a typical day look like for you as a Specialist Investment Consultant (SIC) at INN8? Any interesting or challenging moments that stand out?

‍My typical day is dynamic and multifaceted. It usually starts with a review of key metrics and updates from the account manager. I spend a significant part of my day in advisers' offices, identifying new growth opportunities and initiatives, and conducting demos of the INN8 Investment Platform. These sessions are crucial for showcasing our platform and addressing specific needs or pain points.

‍Key Learnings: In your role, what are the key skills or insights you've gained that have been crucial for success in business development at INN8?

‍Creating compelling narratives is essential for capturing adviser interest and closing deals. Additionally, understanding the technical aspects of our products and staying informed about industry trends and the competitive landscape helps in identifying growth opportunities and tailoring my approach.‍

Favourite Project: Could you share a project or client interaction that you found particularly rewarding or memorable? What made it stand out?

‍I recently gave a presentation to one of my advisers on Family Linking (a feature on INN8 where you can aggregate family assets to benefit from scale when calculating the investment administration fee) and the opportunities arising from the upcoming transfer of wealth. The adviser was amazed by how basis points could translate into significant Rand values, leading to substantial cost savings for clients. This insight proved so valuable that the adviser decided to incorporate it into his review process.‍

Client Connections: Building relationships with clients is a crucial aspect of business development. Can you share a story about a client interaction that taught you something valuable or left a lasting impression?

‍When markets are not doing so great, it is always a difficult time. One of my advisers once said to me, “In volatile markets, it’s not about the sale – it’s about the relationship. Clients want a steady hand and a trusted guide, not just a transaction.” This definitely left an imprint on me.‍

Challenges and Solutions: Every role comes with its challenges. What's a challenge you've faced as a SIC, and how did you overcome it? Any lessons learned?

‍Dealing with difficult advisers used to be quite challenging, but I’ve tailored my approach to address their specific needs. I focus on building relationships by providing value-added solutions that are customized to their practice. I’ve learned that these relationships often take the longest to strengthen, but once you gain traction, they can become some of your most valuable advisers. Personal

‍Personal Growth: In your time at INN8, how have you personally grown, either professionally or personally? Are there any experiences that have shaped you?

‍I recently attended the Resilience Workshop, and it stood out to me how much the business cares about our well-being in the workplace. The workshop also provided a valuable opportunity to rethink and refine my Trifecta, which was incredibly helpful.‍

Advice for Future SICs: If you could go back and give advice to yourself when you started as a SIC at INN8, what would it be? What advice do you have for someone aspiring to join the INN8 family?

‍Well, I am only two months in, but I already feel at home. I'd say being adaptable and resilient will help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities.